New Director of Operations
After the retirement of Marvin Ellin, the department rethought the part-time operations role, and with advice from CNS, decided to expand the position into a full-time Director of Operations and Administration. In addition to being responsible for overseeing the operations of the department, all administrative staff report to the director, either directly or indirectly.
We were lucky enough to find Youko Parsons who encompasses the diverse skill set needed for the position. She has a strong science background, lab and teaching experience, as well as extensive management experience.
About Youko: I completed my undergraduate studies at Taipei, Taiwan in 2003, where I obtained a bachelor's degree in Physics. Following graduation, I spent four years as a Research Technician in the Chemistry Department at Soochow University-Taiwan.
Afterward, I decided to further my education and pursued a Master's degree in Applied Physics at Northern Arizona University, from which I successfully graduated in 2012. I gained experience teaching Physics labs at Smith College and Mathematics at a public charter school. Later, I transitioned into an administrative position and eventually assumed the role of Director of Financial Operations at Pioneer Valley Chinese Immersion Charter School (PVCICS), where I served for nearly twelve years.
Having successfully accomplished my mission and established the PVCICS operation and finance system and policy, I was seeking a position that allows me to fulfill my desire for career growth. With my scientific background and expertise in operations and finance, I am keen on establishing a connection between academia and operations in the scientific community. When the role of Director of Operations and Administration was listed, I knew that was my chance which offers an excellent opportunity for me to utilize my skills. In January 2024, I was fortunate enough to become a part of the Chemistry Department at the University of Massachusetts. I am excited about the future and aspire to make beneficial contributions to the department.
In my leisure time, I enjoy engaging in water activities such as swimming, kayaking, and boating whenever the weather permits. Additionally, I find pleasure in reading, constructing with LEGO bricks, and playing board games.
New Roles
Amanda Bennett has shifted to the position vacated by Raina Kittilstved, and is now our Undergraduate Organic Chemistry Lab Supervisor. The position will give her a more student-facing role and will allow her to continue her work as a Lecturer teaching Junior Year Writing for the department.
Lauren Rainaud has been hired into the Personnel Coordinator position, vacated by Aaron Snow. Lauren has been continuing to act as the Seminar Coordinator while learning her new personnel role until the department is able to backfill her position.
Departures
Raina Kittilstved left UMass last summer to prepare for a new adventure in teaching science to high school students. This fall, she will return to teaching at the college level as an Assistant Professor on the Career Track at the Department of Chemistry at Washington State University.
Aaron Snow accepted a Business Manager position in Animal Care Services at UMass.
Retirements
Kris Knight retired after 40+ years at UMass, allowing her more time to pursue interests such as painting and spending time outdoors. At the time of her retirement, she was the longest-serving member of the department, having originally joined us—in part—for her ability to transcribe chemical equations on a typewriter. From that point on, she constantly demonstrated her adaptability and talent for learning new skills. Her hard work, dedication, and wealth of knowledge made her an invaluable member of the Business Office.
John Maher retired this spring after working 16 years at UMass. He has been keeping busy working on an open source, off-grid, decentralized mesh network (called Meshtastic) using inexpensive radios, and is also converting a Toyota Sienna van into a fuel efficient camper and beginning to travel around the US. John has resumed outdoor climbing, as time and his body permit.
Bob Sabola retired but is working part-time on a post-retirement appointment until his position can be refilled. Bob writes, "What an amazing ride it was working here at UMass. Twenty-two plus years flew by at warp speed. Thank you to all the folks that I had the opportunity to work with in the Chemistry Department and Biochemistry Departments. A special heartfelt thank you to all the faculty, staff and students for making this such an enjoyable and fulfilling experience. You will be missed for sure but our memories together will last a lifetime."